AMMAN – The Minister of Industry, Trade,
and Supply,
Yousef Al-Shamali, announced on Tuesday the ministry's proactive
preparations for the upcoming holy month of
Ramadan, assuring the availability
of essential commodities at
prices lower than those observed during the
previous year's Ramadan period.
اضافة اعلان
In a media conference, Shamali reiterated
the government's commitment, as outlined in the 2024 general budget, to refrain
from raising prices, imposing taxes, or introducing any additional fees on
citizens, Al-Mamlaka TV reported.
Citing the latest report from
the World Bank, Shamali revealed that Jordan's inflation rate is a modest 2.3 percent,
positioning it among the lowest rates globally. He attributed this achievement
to the government's prudent fiscal policies and its harmonious collaboration
with the central bank's monetary policies.
Elaborating on preemptive measures to
mitigate inflationary pressures, Shamali clarified that these actions were
prompted not by
global price hikes but by regional events, including the
Israeli war on Gaza and incidents in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait. The government
reinstated the estimation of customs duties for containers without regard to
their origin and made storage facilities available at preferential rates in
government-owned warehouses and silos. This initiative aimed to facilitate
private sector storage of large quantities at favorable rates, considering that
private sector storage costs are typically high. Furthermore, the government
extended support to civil institutions.
Shamali underscored that should any
provisions of the Industrial Law be invoked, price ceilings and other
regulatory measures would be enforced in cases of excessive pricing within
existing profit margins.
As Jordanians prepare for Ramadan, the
ministry's proactive measures aim to alleviate financial burdens on citizens,
ensuring access to essential commodities at affordable prices throughout the
holy month. These initiatives reflect the government's unwavering commitment to
maintaining stability and affordability for its citizens amidst regional and
global challenges.
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